Principals

It is with great pride and excitement that Mr. Tim Colgate takes over the reins as the newly appointed principal of Nogales High School. Mr. Colgate received his undergraduate degree from Chadron State College in 1993 and his master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in 2013. He has been in education for 26 years, the past four as the principal at Robert M. Bracker Elementary School. Prior to becoming the Bracker principal in 2015, he had been the athletic director at Nogales High School, starting in 2002.

Mr. Colgate said he and the Nogales High School staff would work hard to continue the legacy of success established at NHS by building strong relationships with parents, students, staff, and community partners. He added that NHS would focus on success in all areas; with high expectations for all students, faculty, and programs.

“During the course of the year, we will work together to provide the students of Nogales High School the best possible opportunities in preparing them to be successful now and in their future,” Mr. Colgate said. “I welcome everyone to come in and be a part of the great things that will be happening at Nogales High School so please feel free to stop by and visit.”

Ms. Beach graduated from Nogales High School in 1989. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western New Mexico University in 1994. Then began working in Las Cruces, NM. She worked at a preschool and then went on to teach 6-8th-grade bilingual education at a local middle school. She decided to return to WNMU to pursue her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership which she received in 2000.

She returned to Nogales and taught at the elementary level for four years at Coronado and Challenger Elementary Schools. She also sponsored clubs and activities while at the elementary level. In 2002 she was given the opportunity to move to the middle school to teach and coach. She has coached from one to four sports a year in each of the sixteen years she has been at Desert Shadows Middle School, as well as been the school’s Athletic Director and was the Assistant Principal for three years.

She is so excited to have the opportunity to work with high school students and to be a Nogales Apache again! Go Apaches!

I started as a teacher's aide at Bracker Elementary School from 1996-1997, and then was a substitute teacher for NUSD and SCVUSD from 1997-1998. While working on my education I was the Director of the Abstinence Program and Risk Rebounders with Child and Family Resources from 1999-2003. I received my AA from PCC and BA from Prescott College. I began teaching at Calabasas Middle School as a 6th-grade math/science teacher, and also coached volleyball and track. I then received my MA from Grand Canyon University in 2007 and became Dean of students at San Cayetano Elementary from 2007-2008. I then became Dean of Students/Athletic Director at Coatimundi Middle School from 2008-2010. I then became Principal of Peña Blanca Elementary from 2010-2013. Finally found my way back home to NHS.

With experience as a
principal, as well as her assignment as an Arizona Turnaround Coach at the
Arizona Department of Education and her overall more than 20 years in
education, Mrs. Rodriguez has had numerous opportunities to develop the caliber
of leadership skills that will contribute strongly to her success in meeting
the objectives of any leadership position. Mrs. Rodriguez received her
undergraduate degree in education and a master’s degree in educational
leadership. With an exemplary track record as an instructional coach,
educational planner, effective administrator, and dynamic instructor, Mrs.
Rodriguez brings to PHS academic administration, proven program development
capabilities, and an absolute commitment to creating a learning environment
that supports students from diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
in their pursuit of success.

Dr. Roman Soltero has dedicated his career to community service. He has experience as an elementary and middle school teacher. In addition, he has served as an elementary and middle school administrator in the Tucson Unified School District. He served as an educator in the Tucson area for 18 years. As principal at Wade Carpenter Middle School, Dr. Soltero is part of a great team focused on collaboration, optimum student achievement, building strong community partnerships, and making every decision based on what is best for students.

Dr. Soltero was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He had the opportunity to serve as a council member for the City of South Tucson from 1998 to 2007, and completed internships with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Washington, D.C. and with the Pima County Board of Supervisors under the direction of retired Supervisor Dan Eckstrom. He received his B.A. in General Studies/Business Administration from Northern Arizona University in 1994, and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University in 2000. He completed his Ed. D. in Educational Leadership with a Law Minor from the University of Arizona in 2009. The title of his dissertation was The Superintendent’s Role in Promoting Relationships with Selected Stakeholders Groups in a Large Southwest Urban School District

Mariebeth Silva is the assistant principal at Wade Carpenter Middle School Born and raised in Nogales, Mrs. Silva is a proud product of the Nogales Unified School District as she attended A. J. Mitchell, Mary L. Welty, Wade Carpenter Jr. High, and Nogales High School. After graduating from NHS, she attended the University of Arizona and graduated with a BA in Psychology in 2008. She immediately began her teaching career at Wade Carpenter Middle School where her father taught for over 20 years.

Mrs. Silva began her career in education knowing she had big shoes to fill but met the challenge with enthusiasm and passion. She encouraged, nurtured, and taught seventh graders to appreciate learning as a significant step to achieving academic and social success. While teaching, she also completed her master's degree in Secondary Education in 2011 and obtained her Administration certificate in 2013 from the University of Arizona.

In 2013, Mrs. Silva accepted her position at Wade Carpenter as Assistant Principal. It is a beautiful thing when a career and passion come together. She continually strives to work as a team to develop, inspire, and model the effective leadership skills required to lead students, teachers, and staff towards excellence.

Mr. Christopher Miranda is the proud principal of Desert Shadows Middle School. Mr. Miranda has served NUSD #1 for 15 years in several educational roles. He began his career in 2004 as a computer technician for Desert Shadows Middle School. For eight years he taught Computer Maintenance, Network Technologies, Business Management, and Administrative Services as Career Technical Education (CTE) at Pierson Vocational High School. Additionally, he taught Computer Information Systems (CIS), and Business (BUS) courses at Cochise College. In the summer of 2015 he returned to Desert Shadows as an assistant principal; a position he held for 4 years.

Mr. Miranda earned a Bachelor of Science in 2007 in Information Technology and a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Technology Management (MBA/TM) in 2010 from the University of Phoenix. He pursued further studies in education, as he enrolled at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University and completed the Educational Leadership program in 2014.

Mr. Miranda believes that all students can and must be academically successful. To fulfill this goal the school must provide quality learning opportunities, excellent educators, and thoroughly active parental involvement. He strives to provide a safe learning environment so all students learn to their fullest potential. His mission is to lead Desert Shadow Middle School to be recognized as an “A” school.

Mr. Joshua Payne is honored and excited to be the new Assistant Principal at Desert Shadows Middle School (DSMS). Mr. Payne brings energy and a passion for academic excellence to the school community.

Mr. Payne was born at Little Company of Mary in Torrance California, and was raised in San Diego, California. In 1992 he came to the Old Pueblo (Tucson, Arizona) where he has lived happily ever since. He graduated from the newly constructed Catalina Foothills High School in 1997, and immediately became a passionate Spanish language major at the University of Arizona.

After graduation Mr. Payne began his teaching career in 2003 working for Sunnyside Unified School District. His passion for learning and growing have earned him multiple degrees. He graduated from Pima Community College in Secondary Education, from Rio Salado with degrees in Public Assistance, and Special Education Cross Categorical, Master of Arts degree in Education from Plymouth State University, and earned a Principal Certification from Lamar University.

Mr. Payne has also worked in the Tucson Unified School District as a Spanish teacher, Language Arts Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, Athletics Coach, Learning Supports Coordinator, Summer Hub Coordinator, Intern Special Education Director, and Multi-Tiered Supports Facilitator at several district schools.

His most current position was as an Assistant Principal at a Self-Contained Program (The Menta Group) in Casa Grande where he served for the last two years.

Mr. Payne is a father of three (3) wonderful children ages five (5), eight (8), and seventeen (17), and his wife is a bilingual, Science teacher. His interests include traveling, and attending University of Arizona Wildcat events-Bear Down! Mr. Payne looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders as he embarks on his new career with Nogales Unified School District and the DSMS community.

Mr. Paul E. Carlson is very excited about being chosen as the new principal of Lincoln Elementary School in the Nogales Unified School District. Mr. Carlson believes in creating and maintaining a positive school culture, in which every member of the school community knows that they are valued and everyone is expected to contribute their best efforts toward continuous improvement. Having been an enthusiastic educator since 1986, he is well-acquainted and fascinated with the teaching and learning processes and understands how to move these forward.

Mr. Carlson holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Dakota, a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in Special Education-Gifted from Northern Arizona University, and principal certification from the Arizona Department of Education. He started as a teacher at Lincoln Elementary and continued to teach for 17 years. Since 2003, he has worked as a literacy specialist/coordinator, a position which has involved working closely with teachers to help them improve their teaching skill and understanding of curriculum and assessment as well.

Mr. Carlson feels honored to have the opportunity to continue working with Lincoln School’s wonderful staff, students, and families in the capacity of principal. Please feel free to come by the school to meet him or if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas to help Lincoln be the best school it can be.

Aissa Bonillas was born in Nogales, AZ. She attended Mary L. Welty Elementary, Wade Carpenter Middle School, and Nogales High School. Ms.Bonillas graduated from NHS in 1999. She went on to continue her education at the University of Arizona, graduating in 2003 with a double major in Political Science and Secondary Education and a minor in Spanish. Ms. Bonillas began working at Nogales High School in August of 2003, teaching Spanish for five years and AP Government for one year. While teaching at Nogales High School, she also coached the dance team from 2003 to 2005. Ms. Bonillas received a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership - Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix in 2007. She also served as the Honors Coordinator from 2007 to 2009, overseeing the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program. Ms. Bonillas then became the Assistant Principal at Nogales High School in 2009.

Ms. Christina Valdez is the newly appointed principal at Challenger Elementary School and has dedicated her career to the life of service to others. As a leader, she strives to bring out the best in students, teachers, and staff and create leaders among leaders. Ms. Valdez believes in providing high-quality education while building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and students' hearts before you can capture their mind.

Ms. Valdez holds a bachelor of arts in journalism with a minor in business from the University of Arizona, a master's in elementary education from the University of Phoenix and principal certificate from Northern Arizona. Ms. Valdez began her career as a reporter for the Tucson Citizen newspaper and USA Today in Virginia. Wanting to make a difference in the lives of youth, Ms. Valdez changed careers and became an elementary teacher with a focus on educating second language learners. As a teacher and administrator in Tucson for the past 14 years, she has worked in turnaround schools and as part of the leadership team has been successful in students reaching high academic success. Ms. Valdez is excited about her new role as principal and believes that the Challenger community is a special place that has amazing parent and community support. She is enthusiastic about continuing the rich traditions of Challenger including that of becoming a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence once again!

Sandra Licet Jimenez is the principal at Francisco Vasquez de Coronado Elementary School. Mrs. Jimenez believes in providing quality instruction while at the same time creating a positive school climate and culture for all students.

Mrs. Jimenez holds a bachelors of arts in elementary education with a minor in sociology from Prescott College, a masters of business administration from the University of Phoenix, and a masters of education in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. She started her teaching career at NUSD #1 in the year 2000. Prior to her leadership role as principal of Coronado, she was a reading specialist for 10 years, and classroom teacher for five years.

Among her many leadership roles throughout her teaching career, Mrs.Jimenez has collaborated as the school improvement coordinator, structured English immersion specialist, and assessment coordinator. She was also the driving force behind Coronado’s successful National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence application submission. She believes that teamwork is the ultimate way a school can be successful in reaching the goal of helping students attain their full potential. She has two young sons with her husband of 12 years.

Michelle Shuman is the principal at A.J. Mitchell Elementary School. Ms. Shuman strongly believes that every child has the ability to learn and grow. As principal, she ensures students experience a nurturing environment so that they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She knows that teachers and school staff are the key to having a successful school, and does whatever she can to support their miraculous daily efforts. Working with parents as partners in the education of A.J. Mitchell students is a large part of how she supports her teachers and students.

Ms. Shuman earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana in 1990. She began her career immediately after graduation at Nogales Unified School District as a student-teacher at A.J. Mitchell Elementary School, under the leadership of former Lincoln Principal, Dr. Lucina Romero. She worked at A.J. Mitchell for eight years as a primary grade teacher in the bilingual programs from August 1991 through June 1999 and received the top teacher recognition as 1996-1997 Teacher of the Year. She went on to obtain a Masters degree in administration and supervision from the University of Phoenix in 1998. She transferred to Robert M. Bracker in 1999, where she worked as a second-grade teacher and reading specialist until 2003. Michelle was also selected as Bracker Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year for School Year 2001-2002 and won the district-level Teacher of the Year that same year. In the fall of 2003, she became the district coordinator for the highly successful Reading First program. Michelle worked with principals, teachers, and students at four Reading First elementary schools. She previously served as principal at Robert M. Bracker Elementary School for nine years. She is very proud of the impressive accomplishments of her staff and students. In 2007, the school received the prestigious federal recognition of Blue Ribbon School, based on the tremendous academic growth of the students over a five-year period.

Born in the US Virgin Islands, Ms. Joanne Vigilant is a strong believer in education and what it can do. As the newly appointed principal of Robert M. Bracker Elementary School, Ms. Vigilant is eager and excited to be part of an innovative team. She is deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of students and our community. Ms. Vigilant’s leadership strengths are:

-Setting and maintaining high academic expectations for herself, students, staff and teachers
-Providing supportive systems to assure academic goals are met
-Ensuring that timely, consistent and effective communication is established with parents, students, and all stakeholders
-Building strong teams around the common mission and goals of the district

After she graduated from Prescott College in 2001 with a BA in education, Ms. Vigilant went on to earn Masters degrees in Psychology (Prescott College, 2005), and Educational Leadership (Northern Arizona University, 2012). Ms. Vigilant started her career in education at a very young age and has worn many hats throughout her career. She taught fifth grade at Tucson Unified School District, and her most recent appointment was serving as a high school principal at a charter school in Tucson, Arizona. On her off time, Ms. Vigilant enjoys time with her dog, spending time with her loving companion, and singing karaoke.
Ms. Vigilant strives to provide a safe, positive, intellectual learning environment that will empower students to become creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and inspired learners prepared for life in today's world. She is eager to continue the strong legacy and reputation that Bracker Elementary School has worked hard to establish.